"Five, six, seven, eight!" Caroline's voice was sharp and clear, slicing through the early morning air like a whip as we moved through our cheer routine.
The sun hadn't fully risen, casting a soft glow across the field, and the dew made the grass just slick enough to be annoying. Caroline was a stickler for details, and she'd be the first to admit it, pushing us through each move as if we were preparing for nationals.
"Higher jumps, Elena! Amara, don't forget to keep your wrists straight," she called out, her voice holding a blend of encouragement and authority.
I rolled my eyes but smiled back at her, adjusting my stance. "Yes, Captain."
"You know it!" Caroline shot back with a grin, clapping to keep the rhythm going. "Again, from the top."
We'd been running through our routine for almost an hour, and although my muscles were beginning to burn, there was something energizing about it, too. Cheerleading had a way of putting everything into perspective for me—like all that mattered was the routine, the timing, the teamwork.
Bonnie, who had been hesitant to join cheer in the first place, finally caught up to us, sliding into her spot in the back row. "Sorry, traffic," she panted, brushing back stray curls.
Caroline arched a brow, but her smile was forgiving. "Good thing you didn't miss much, because we are doing this until we get it perfect."
"Again?" Elena said, blowing out a breath, her hands on her hips. "We've only practiced this about a thousand times."
Caroline's eyes sparkled mischievously. "And that means we're only getting started. Now, let's take it from the top. And give me your best energy; we want the crowd hyped."
We fell back into our formation, each of us rolling our shoulders and settling into our positions. I loved the feel of moving in sync with the other girls, each of us feeding off the energy of the group. As we moved through each count, focusing on the precision of every motion, my mind wandered to Stefan.
I hadn't told the others, but I knew he was planning on auditioning for the football team today, and something about it seemed so... odd. He'd been quiet about it, as if he was hiding some kind of backstory. Maybe it was his way of trying to fit in, but it seemed like there was something more to it.
After we wrapped up the routine, Caroline blew a whistle dramatically. "Okay, okay, I'll admit it—you guys look amazing."
We all laughed, stretching and catching our breath. Elena nudged me, a playful glint in her eye. "You okay? You looked a little zoned out back there."
"Oh, I'm fine," I replied, smiling, though I knew she wasn't buying it. "Just thinking about the game on Friday."
"Hmm," she said, raising a brow, clearly unconvinced. "Or maybe a certain someone trying out for football?"
I rolled my eyes, shoving her playfully. "Oh, come on. I'm just curious about how he'll do. I mean, Stefan doesn't exactly scream 'jock' to me."
Bonnie chimed in, brushing off her pom-poms. "Honestly, I think he's full of surprises. You know, quiet guys usually are."
Before I could respond, Caroline clapped her hands together. "Alright, let's go grab some water and cool down before class."
As we made our way off the field, we spotted Stefan heading toward the practice area, his expression calm and focused. He was dressed in Mystic Falls' dark red and white, and it almost seemed like he'd been made to wear it; he looked like he belonged on that field, even though I knew he'd just moved here.
Caroline, noticing where I was looking, leaned over with a sly smile. "Looks like someone's here to support the team already."
"Would you cut it out?" I laughed, shaking my head. "I'm just... curious."
"Oh, we're all curious," Elena teased. "And besides, it's not every day a new guy just swoops in and tries out for football."
Bonnie grinned, lowering her voice. "Maybe it's part of some mysterious backstory. Or maybe he's just trying to impress someone..."
"Okay, okay!" I held up my hands in surrender, laughing. "Enough conspiracy theories. Let's go watch."
We made our way to the bleachers, settling in with a few other students who had gathered to watch tryouts. Caroline bounced on her toes beside me, her eyes fixed on Stefan with laser focus.
As tryouts started, the coach shouted instructions, and the hopefuls lined up. Stefan's gaze was focused, his movements measured and precise, like he'd done this a thousand times before.
After running drills, Stefan lined up as wide receiver, poised and ready. The quarterback called the play, and as soon as the ball snapped, Stefan took off like a bullet, his speed catching everyone's attention. He moved with a kind of fluidity, dodging defenders with ease, his body effortlessly adapting to each new challenge.
"Whoa," Bonnie whispered beside me. "He's... good."
Caroline nodded, her eyes wide. "More than good. It's like he's been playing his whole life."
Elena looked over at me, arching an eyebrow. "Guess you were right to be curious."
I shrugged, but I couldn't deny the fascination that held me as I watched him. There was something almost mesmerizing about the way he played, the way he seemed so... in control.
After the final play, Stefan walked over to us, slightly out of breath but smiling.
"How'd I do?" he asked, his tone casual, but his eyes seemed to be searching mine for a reaction.
"Impressive," Caroline said with a grin, giving him an approving nod. "Looks like you'll be part of the team for sure."
"Thanks," he replied, his gaze shifting to me for just a second before looking away.
I crossed my arms, unable to resist teasing him. "Didn't peg you as a football guy."
He shrugged, a small smile playing at his lips. "I've picked up a few things here and there. Figured it'd be a good way to get involved."
"Right," I said, grinning. "Just 'a few things.' You were incredible out there."
He met my gaze, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to fade. But then Caroline cleared her throat, snapping us both out of it.
"Well," she said, with a dramatic toss of her hair. "Now that we have our star player, I'd say the team is in good shape."
Stefan chuckled, giving her a polite nod before glancing back at me. "Thanks for watching, everyone."
As he turned to head back to the locker room, Bonnie leaned in, her voice barely a whisper. "Amara, you know that guy has a serious interest in you, right?"
I rolled my eyes, but my heart skipped a beat. "Bonnie, come on. He's just... being friendly."
"Friendly my foot," Caroline scoffed. "That was some serious eye contact."
Elena gave me a knowing look. "Just admit it, Amara. He's into you."
I laughed, trying to brush it off. "You guys are ridiculous."
But as I watched him disappear into the gym, I couldn't help but wonder if maybe—just maybe—there was something more to his interest in me than I'd let myself believe. And for the first time in a long time, I felt that mix of excitement and nerves that only seemed to show up when Stefan was around.